A media turnout somewhat resembling that of a mob scene occured in the Canucks dressing room Wednesday afternoon. This was likely the last time this current group of players will be together as they enter the off-season follwoing their 2nd round playoff exit to the Chicago Blackhawks.
Nothing too out of the ordinary came out of the interviews. All players admitted they were still in a bit of shock of seeing the season end they way it did.
Mattias Ohlund wouldn't say whether or not he'll be returning to Vancouver for a 12th season as he prepares to enter unrestricted free agency. Same goes for Daniel and Henrik Sedin, who have until July 1 before testing the open market.
Roberto Luongo said he'll talk with his agent and his family in the summer about entertaining the idea of extending his contract with the Canucks.
Sami Salo did not disclose his injuries that kept him out of games in the playoffs. Mats Sundin wouldn't commit one way or another on his future status, whether it's returning to play with the Canucks or any other team in the league.
Alex Burrows was the only player who would comment on his injury status in the playoffs, admitting he battled through injuries to his hip flexor, wrist, and thumb.
Head Coach Alain Vigneault and General Manager Mike Gillis will meet with the media at 3:30pm tomorrow afternoon at GM Place.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Monday, May 11, 2009
Canucks Hawks Game Day #6
Both the Canucks and Blackhawks traveled from Vancouver to Chicago yesterday and both teams skated this morning in advance of their 8:00pm local start time for Game 6 tonight.
It has officially been two months since the Canucks lost back-to-back games on the road (Mar. 11 4-3 OT at Anaheim). Despite splitting Games 3 and 4 of this series at the United Center, the Canucks had a tough time generating a lot of offensive chances. Vancouver scored just four goals on 36 shots over the last two games in Chicago. In their last four games, they haven't had more than 21 shots on net.
Roberto Luongo, having allowed 11 goals at home in this series, has given up just three goals on 52 shots at the United Center.
The Hawks are trying to get to the Western Conference Finals for the first time since 1995. Chicago has generated 40 more shots in the series than their opponents. They have out-scored Vancouver 10-3 in the third periods and overtime in the series.
Dustin Byfuglien's two goals and six hits in Chicago's 4-2 win in Game 5 earned him 1st Star honours. He is currently 2nd in the NHL playoffs in hits (49). Jonathan Toews, despite only collecting one assist in the series, is 2nd in the post-season in face off percentage (59.3%). Duncan Keith, who has five assists against the Canucks, is 2nd in the NHL in plus-minus (+7).
Here are the expected line-ups for both teams:
Canucks:
D. Sedin - H. Sedin - Burrows
Raymond - Sundin - Kesler
Pyatt - Wellwood - Bernier
Hordichuk - Johnson - Rypien
Mitchell - Salo
Ohlund - Edler
Bieksa - O'Brien
Luongo
LaBarbera
Blackhawks:
Sharp - Toews - Kane
Ladd - Bolland - Havlat
Versteeg - Pahlsson - Byfuglien
Eager - Burish - Brouwer
Keith - Seabrook
Campbell - Hjalmarsson
Barker - Walker
Khabibulin
Huet
It has officially been two months since the Canucks lost back-to-back games on the road (Mar. 11 4-3 OT at Anaheim). Despite splitting Games 3 and 4 of this series at the United Center, the Canucks had a tough time generating a lot of offensive chances. Vancouver scored just four goals on 36 shots over the last two games in Chicago. In their last four games, they haven't had more than 21 shots on net.
Roberto Luongo, having allowed 11 goals at home in this series, has given up just three goals on 52 shots at the United Center.
The Hawks are trying to get to the Western Conference Finals for the first time since 1995. Chicago has generated 40 more shots in the series than their opponents. They have out-scored Vancouver 10-3 in the third periods and overtime in the series.
Dustin Byfuglien's two goals and six hits in Chicago's 4-2 win in Game 5 earned him 1st Star honours. He is currently 2nd in the NHL playoffs in hits (49). Jonathan Toews, despite only collecting one assist in the series, is 2nd in the post-season in face off percentage (59.3%). Duncan Keith, who has five assists against the Canucks, is 2nd in the NHL in plus-minus (+7).
Here are the expected line-ups for both teams:
Canucks:
D. Sedin - H. Sedin - Burrows
Raymond - Sundin - Kesler
Pyatt - Wellwood - Bernier
Hordichuk - Johnson - Rypien
Mitchell - Salo
Ohlund - Edler
Bieksa - O'Brien
Luongo
LaBarbera
Blackhawks:
Sharp - Toews - Kane
Ladd - Bolland - Havlat
Versteeg - Pahlsson - Byfuglien
Eager - Burish - Brouwer
Keith - Seabrook
Campbell - Hjalmarsson
Barker - Walker
Khabibulin
Huet
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Canucks Fall 4-2 to Hawks & Now Face Elimination
The Canucks now find themselves in a "must win" situation in their series with the Blackhawks as Chicago skated away with a 4-2 at GM Place in Game 5 Saturday night.
For the first time in the series, the Hawks opened up the scoring. Brian Campbell's point shot wound up being kicked away by Roberto Luongo. The rebound wound up being gobbled up by Dustin Byfuglien and put past the Canucks captain. Kris Versteeg gets credit for the other assist on Byfuglien's first goal of the series and 2nd of the playoffs at 15:27.
Before the period was out, the Canucks were able to pull back to level terms. While on a power play, Kyle Wellwood was able to take a pass from behind the net from Mats Sundin. His attempted feed in front deflected off a Hawks skate to the top of the crease for Ryan Kesler, who saw his re-direct go through the pads of Nikolai Khabibulin. Kesler notches his first goal of the series, which also proved to be his 2nd of the post season at 17:54.
Vancouver managed to get into the lead just past the midway point of the game. Henrik Sedin moved the puck up the middle of the ice for Sundin. As he broke up the left wing and hit the face off circle, he stepped into a slap shot that wizzed up Khabibulin on the short side. Sundin's 2nd of the playoffs put the Canucks up by a goal at 11:16.
The intensity and emotion picked up for the remainder of the frame and there were plenty of good hits thrown. There was also lots of rough stuff after the whistles and with under three minutes to go, the Canucks found themselves short handed. Kesler's attempt to clear the puck out of the zone would be blocked at the point by Campbell. His quick feed to high in the slot found Byfuglien who ripped a shot through the pads of Luongo. His 3rd of the playoffs came at 18:22.
Wellwood got a great chance to get Vancouver back in the lead with 9:30 remaining in the third period, but his chance from between the hash marks hit the post.
With a little less than six minutes left in regulation time, Kevin Bieksa took a careless high sticking penalty that allowed Chicago to go to work on the man advantage. The Canucks had a couple of chances to clear the puck out but they were foiled by the Hawks who got it in deep. Duncan Keith rimmed the puck around the net for Patrick Kane on the right boards. His cross zone pass found a wide open Dave Bolland in the left face off circle. Luongo had no chance as Bolland cashed in with his 4th goal of the playoffs and the eventual game winner came at 14:55.
Shortly afterwards, Kesler took a holding penalty that the Canucks had to kill off, limiting their chances to draw back into a tie game. Once things got back to even strength, Luongo got to the bench for the extra attacker. However, Kesler and Sami Salo accidentally collided into each other inside the Hawks blue line which allowed Martin Havlat an easy opportunity to find the empty net. Havlat extends his point-scoring streak to three games with his 5th of the playoffs at 18:55.
Final shots on net did favour Chicago 30-21. The Canucks went 1-for-2 on the power play while the Hawks went 2-for-5.
The Canucks have been out-scored 9-3 in the third periods of this series and have generated just five power play opportunities in their last eight periods of play.
For the first time in the post-season, the Canucks find themselves trailing a playoff series and at the same time find themselves on the brink of elimination from the playoffs. Game 6 at the United Center is scheduled for Monday night at 6:00pm PST.
For the first time in the series, the Hawks opened up the scoring. Brian Campbell's point shot wound up being kicked away by Roberto Luongo. The rebound wound up being gobbled up by Dustin Byfuglien and put past the Canucks captain. Kris Versteeg gets credit for the other assist on Byfuglien's first goal of the series and 2nd of the playoffs at 15:27.
Before the period was out, the Canucks were able to pull back to level terms. While on a power play, Kyle Wellwood was able to take a pass from behind the net from Mats Sundin. His attempted feed in front deflected off a Hawks skate to the top of the crease for Ryan Kesler, who saw his re-direct go through the pads of Nikolai Khabibulin. Kesler notches his first goal of the series, which also proved to be his 2nd of the post season at 17:54.
Vancouver managed to get into the lead just past the midway point of the game. Henrik Sedin moved the puck up the middle of the ice for Sundin. As he broke up the left wing and hit the face off circle, he stepped into a slap shot that wizzed up Khabibulin on the short side. Sundin's 2nd of the playoffs put the Canucks up by a goal at 11:16.
The intensity and emotion picked up for the remainder of the frame and there were plenty of good hits thrown. There was also lots of rough stuff after the whistles and with under three minutes to go, the Canucks found themselves short handed. Kesler's attempt to clear the puck out of the zone would be blocked at the point by Campbell. His quick feed to high in the slot found Byfuglien who ripped a shot through the pads of Luongo. His 3rd of the playoffs came at 18:22.
Wellwood got a great chance to get Vancouver back in the lead with 9:30 remaining in the third period, but his chance from between the hash marks hit the post.
With a little less than six minutes left in regulation time, Kevin Bieksa took a careless high sticking penalty that allowed Chicago to go to work on the man advantage. The Canucks had a couple of chances to clear the puck out but they were foiled by the Hawks who got it in deep. Duncan Keith rimmed the puck around the net for Patrick Kane on the right boards. His cross zone pass found a wide open Dave Bolland in the left face off circle. Luongo had no chance as Bolland cashed in with his 4th goal of the playoffs and the eventual game winner came at 14:55.
Shortly afterwards, Kesler took a holding penalty that the Canucks had to kill off, limiting their chances to draw back into a tie game. Once things got back to even strength, Luongo got to the bench for the extra attacker. However, Kesler and Sami Salo accidentally collided into each other inside the Hawks blue line which allowed Martin Havlat an easy opportunity to find the empty net. Havlat extends his point-scoring streak to three games with his 5th of the playoffs at 18:55.
Final shots on net did favour Chicago 30-21. The Canucks went 1-for-2 on the power play while the Hawks went 2-for-5.
The Canucks have been out-scored 9-3 in the third periods of this series and have generated just five power play opportunities in their last eight periods of play.
For the first time in the post-season, the Canucks find themselves trailing a playoff series and at the same time find themselves on the brink of elimination from the playoffs. Game 6 at the United Center is scheduled for Monday night at 6:00pm PST.
Canucks Hawks Game Day #5
The Canucks are expected to go with the same line-up tonight as they did in Thursday's heartbreaking 2-1 overtime loss in Game 4. If there is a change to come, it would see Sami Salo return to the line-up in place of Ossi Vaananen. Pavol Demitra is still side-lined with his undisclosed injury.
Vancouver is coming off a post-season low 15 shots on net in Game 4. They have only out-shot an opponent once in the playoffs. They are also coming off a playoff-low one power play on Thursday. They have averaged just under five power plays per game in the playoffs.
The Blackhawks are not expected to make any changes to their roster. They have scored as many goals on the road as they have allowed (19) and they lead the NHL in power play goals on the road (7).
Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane were held off the score sheet in their two home games this week. So far in this series, Toews has one assist while Kane has three goals and one assist.
In the two games played in Chicago, the Hawks were credited with out-hitting the opposition by a total of 76-42.
Here are the expected line-ups for both teams heading into Game 5:
Canucks:
D. Sedin - H. Sedin - Burrows
Raymond - Sundin - Kesler
Pyatt - Wellwood - Bernier
Hordichuk - Johnson - Rypien
Mitchell - Salo/Vaananen
Ohlund - Edler
Bieksa - O'Brien
Luongo
LaBarbera
Blackhawks:
Sharp - Kane - Toews
Ladd - Bolland - Havlat
Versteeg - Pahlsson - Byfuglien
Eager - Burish - Brouwer
Keith - Seabrook
Campbell - Hjalmarsson
Barker - Walker
Khabibulin
Huet
Vancouver is coming off a post-season low 15 shots on net in Game 4. They have only out-shot an opponent once in the playoffs. They are also coming off a playoff-low one power play on Thursday. They have averaged just under five power plays per game in the playoffs.
The Blackhawks are not expected to make any changes to their roster. They have scored as many goals on the road as they have allowed (19) and they lead the NHL in power play goals on the road (7).
Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane were held off the score sheet in their two home games this week. So far in this series, Toews has one assist while Kane has three goals and one assist.
In the two games played in Chicago, the Hawks were credited with out-hitting the opposition by a total of 76-42.
Here are the expected line-ups for both teams heading into Game 5:
Canucks:
D. Sedin - H. Sedin - Burrows
Raymond - Sundin - Kesler
Pyatt - Wellwood - Bernier
Hordichuk - Johnson - Rypien
Mitchell - Salo/Vaananen
Ohlund - Edler
Bieksa - O'Brien
Luongo
LaBarbera
Blackhawks:
Sharp - Kane - Toews
Ladd - Bolland - Havlat
Versteeg - Pahlsson - Byfuglien
Eager - Burish - Brouwer
Keith - Seabrook
Campbell - Hjalmarsson
Barker - Walker
Khabibulin
Huet
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Canucks Hawks Game Day #4
Optional morning skates for both the Canucks and Blackhawks. Sami Salo did not skate this morning and will not dress tonight in Game 4 for Vancouver. D-men Willie Mitchell, Shane O'Brien, and Ossi Vaananen, along with Roberto Luongo were the only players skating today that will draw into tonight's line-up for the Canucks. Both teams are likely going with their exact same line-ups as to what they iced in a 3-1 Vancouver victory in Game 3 on Tuesday.
Luongo is one win away from tying Richard Brodeur for 2nd place in the Canucks all-time playoffs wins (12). Kirk McLean holds the all time record for wins with 34. Luongo is the only goalie in the playoffs who is undefeated on the road, having allowed just five goals against in three games.
The Hawks are certainly going to have to a better start tonight if they want to bring this series back to the United Center for a Game 6. Nikolai Khabibulin did not take the morning skate for Chicago. He has given up the first goal in a game five times in the playoffs. Chicago enters tonight having scored the most goals of any team in the post season (31). On the flip side, the Hawks have allowed the most goals against in the league (27).
Here are the expected line-ups for Game 4:
Canucks:
D. Sedin - H. Sedin - Burrows
Raymond - Sundin - Kesler
Pyatt - Wellwood - Bernier
Hordichuk - Johnson - Rypien
Mitchell - Vaananen
Ohlund - Edler
Bieksa - O'Brien
Luongo
LaBarbera
Blackhawks:
Sharp - Toews - Kane
Versteeg - Pahlsson - Byfuglien
Ladd - Bolland - Havlat
Eager - Burish - Brouwer
Keith - Seabrook
Hjalmarsson - Campbell
Barker - Walker
Khabibulin
Huet
Luongo is one win away from tying Richard Brodeur for 2nd place in the Canucks all-time playoffs wins (12). Kirk McLean holds the all time record for wins with 34. Luongo is the only goalie in the playoffs who is undefeated on the road, having allowed just five goals against in three games.
The Hawks are certainly going to have to a better start tonight if they want to bring this series back to the United Center for a Game 6. Nikolai Khabibulin did not take the morning skate for Chicago. He has given up the first goal in a game five times in the playoffs. Chicago enters tonight having scored the most goals of any team in the post season (31). On the flip side, the Hawks have allowed the most goals against in the league (27).
Here are the expected line-ups for Game 4:
Canucks:
D. Sedin - H. Sedin - Burrows
Raymond - Sundin - Kesler
Pyatt - Wellwood - Bernier
Hordichuk - Johnson - Rypien
Mitchell - Vaananen
Ohlund - Edler
Bieksa - O'Brien
Luongo
LaBarbera
Blackhawks:
Sharp - Toews - Kane
Versteeg - Pahlsson - Byfuglien
Ladd - Bolland - Havlat
Eager - Burish - Brouwer
Keith - Seabrook
Hjalmarsson - Campbell
Barker - Walker
Khabibulin
Huet
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Canucks Hawks Wednesday (With Quote of the Year)
A little comic relief following the practices today for both the Canucks and Blackhawks at the United Center.
Sami Salo is indeed in Chicago and skated on the ice at the conclusion of Canucks practice. Not committed to saying when he'll return to the line-up, Salo says he's feeling better since suffering the lower body injury in Game 2. He wouldn't confirm when the injury occured (before or after his goal celebration) or what the injury was. One Chicago reporter asked him if the injury was to his ankle, knee, or groin....to which Salo responded "That's close...but maybe it's the burning sensation when you pee...you never know!!"
Salo arrived in Chicago last night to see the tail end of the Canucks 3-1 win in Game 3. All other players participated in their off-day skate today, with the exception of Pavol Demitra, who rode the bike and received treatment from the Canucks medical staff.
The Canucks have won six of their last seven road games, playoffs and regular season included. Of those games, Roberto Luongo has just once allowed more than two goals against.
The Hawks had a handful of regulars not take part in their skate today, including Martin Havlat, Dustin Byfuglien, Sammy Pahlsson, Anderw Ladd, Duncan Keith, Cam Barker, and Matt Walker. Coming off their first home-ice loss of the post-season, the Hawks power play has struggled in this series. After going 5-for-11 on the PP in the series against the Calgary, they are 3-for-16 so far against the Canucks.
Sami Salo is indeed in Chicago and skated on the ice at the conclusion of Canucks practice. Not committed to saying when he'll return to the line-up, Salo says he's feeling better since suffering the lower body injury in Game 2. He wouldn't confirm when the injury occured (before or after his goal celebration) or what the injury was. One Chicago reporter asked him if the injury was to his ankle, knee, or groin....to which Salo responded "That's close...but maybe it's the burning sensation when you pee...you never know!!"
Salo arrived in Chicago last night to see the tail end of the Canucks 3-1 win in Game 3. All other players participated in their off-day skate today, with the exception of Pavol Demitra, who rode the bike and received treatment from the Canucks medical staff.
The Canucks have won six of their last seven road games, playoffs and regular season included. Of those games, Roberto Luongo has just once allowed more than two goals against.
The Hawks had a handful of regulars not take part in their skate today, including Martin Havlat, Dustin Byfuglien, Sammy Pahlsson, Anderw Ladd, Duncan Keith, Cam Barker, and Matt Walker. Coming off their first home-ice loss of the post-season, the Hawks power play has struggled in this series. After going 5-for-11 on the PP in the series against the Calgary, they are 3-for-16 so far against the Canucks.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Canucks Take Game 3 at United Center
The Canucks regained home ice advantage Tuesday night in Chicago by posting a 3-1 lead against the Blackhawks in Game 3 of their Western Conference Semi Final series. It was a solid all-around defensive effort on a night which saw the return of Taylor Pyatt to the Vancouver line-up.
The visitors had a 1-0 lead through the opening period of play. Kevin Bieksa started the play by making a good pinch in off the point to intercept a pass on the half wall. He was able to get the puck free to Ryan Kesler who wasted no time finding a wide open Mason Raymond in front. He had little troubling beating Nikolai Khabibulin high under the cross bar for his first ever playoff goal. The Canucks, who opened the scoring for the sixth time in the playoffs, did so at 15:34.
Vancouver started the second period on the power play and wasted little time capitalizing with the extra skater on the ice. Alexander Edler was able to get a point shot free on target. His chance was denied on a pad save, but Steve Bernier was successful in depositing his chance. Daniel Sedin chips in the other assist on Bernier's 2nd of the post-season. It aslo proved to be his first game-winning marker of the playoffs exactly one minute into the middle frame.
Just prior to the midway stage of the game, the two teams skated 4-on-4. Edler did good work inside the Hawks blue-line to get the puck in deep. However he was even better picking off a clearing attempt from Duncan Keith in the slot. Edler got the puck down low beside the net for Henrik Sedin, who's shot got through Khabibulin's pads and trickled just across the goal line. Henrik's team-leading 4th goal of the playoffs put the Canucks in the driver's seat at 8:40.
The shut-out bid of Roberto Luongo came to an end a few shifts later. Chicago was able to go to work on the power play and Brian Campbell's point shot found the back of the net with traffic in front of the Canucks captain. Martin Havlat and Keith chip in the helper's on Campbell's first point of the series. It was also his second goal of the playoffs at 11:09.
The Canucks had not lost a game in regulation time all year when leading after 40 minutes and they were not about to let that happen on this night. They did have a bit of puck luck on their side as a Chicago pass towards the net took a nasty deflection off the stick of Mattias Ohlund. Thankfully for him and his teammates the puck wound up bouncing off the cross bar.
Bernier nearly put the game on ice with a little more than nine minutes remaining. However his point-blank chance beside the crease would be robbed on a great pad stop by the Hawks veteran netminder.
At the other end of the rink, Luongo and those in front of him did a good job of shutting the door down the stretch. The Hawks had 10 shots in the final period, but weren't able to get closer on the scoreboard as Vancouver skated away with their third straight road win in the playoffs.
Final shots on net favoured Chicago 24-21. The Canucks capped off the night going 1-for-4 on the power play and were a perfect 5-for-5 on the penalty kill.
The club will practice tomorrow at the United Center in preparation for their next game in the Windy City. Game 4 goes Thursday night at 5:00pm PST.
The visitors had a 1-0 lead through the opening period of play. Kevin Bieksa started the play by making a good pinch in off the point to intercept a pass on the half wall. He was able to get the puck free to Ryan Kesler who wasted no time finding a wide open Mason Raymond in front. He had little troubling beating Nikolai Khabibulin high under the cross bar for his first ever playoff goal. The Canucks, who opened the scoring for the sixth time in the playoffs, did so at 15:34.
Vancouver started the second period on the power play and wasted little time capitalizing with the extra skater on the ice. Alexander Edler was able to get a point shot free on target. His chance was denied on a pad save, but Steve Bernier was successful in depositing his chance. Daniel Sedin chips in the other assist on Bernier's 2nd of the post-season. It aslo proved to be his first game-winning marker of the playoffs exactly one minute into the middle frame.
Just prior to the midway stage of the game, the two teams skated 4-on-4. Edler did good work inside the Hawks blue-line to get the puck in deep. However he was even better picking off a clearing attempt from Duncan Keith in the slot. Edler got the puck down low beside the net for Henrik Sedin, who's shot got through Khabibulin's pads and trickled just across the goal line. Henrik's team-leading 4th goal of the playoffs put the Canucks in the driver's seat at 8:40.
The shut-out bid of Roberto Luongo came to an end a few shifts later. Chicago was able to go to work on the power play and Brian Campbell's point shot found the back of the net with traffic in front of the Canucks captain. Martin Havlat and Keith chip in the helper's on Campbell's first point of the series. It was also his second goal of the playoffs at 11:09.
The Canucks had not lost a game in regulation time all year when leading after 40 minutes and they were not about to let that happen on this night. They did have a bit of puck luck on their side as a Chicago pass towards the net took a nasty deflection off the stick of Mattias Ohlund. Thankfully for him and his teammates the puck wound up bouncing off the cross bar.
Bernier nearly put the game on ice with a little more than nine minutes remaining. However his point-blank chance beside the crease would be robbed on a great pad stop by the Hawks veteran netminder.
At the other end of the rink, Luongo and those in front of him did a good job of shutting the door down the stretch. The Hawks had 10 shots in the final period, but weren't able to get closer on the scoreboard as Vancouver skated away with their third straight road win in the playoffs.
Final shots on net favoured Chicago 24-21. The Canucks capped off the night going 1-for-4 on the power play and were a perfect 5-for-5 on the penalty kill.
The club will practice tomorrow at the United Center in preparation for their next game in the Windy City. Game 4 goes Thursday night at 5:00pm PST.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)